Goldman Sachs Business Analyst Interview Questions & Experience Guide

Interview questions for Goldman Sachs Business Analyst

Hi everyone, this topic is for sharing Preparation guidelines and interview experience for Goldman Sachs Business Analyst

The Business Analyst at Goldman Sachs involves a multi-stage assessment and interview process, designed to evaluate both technical skills and business proficiency. Below is a summary of the process and key points from the interviews you provided:

Assessment Test Rounds:

  1. Round 1: Written Test
    • Included 3 coding questions of increasing difficulty (20, 30, and 100 marks).
    • Contained 2 HR questions (10 marks each).
    • Remaining questions were MCQs (5 marks each) covering theory/IT fundamentals and quantitative aptitude.

Interview Rounds:

  1. Technical & Puzzles
    • Mix of logic puzzles and IT fundamentals; emphasis on reasoning and explaining thought process.
  2. HR Interview
    • Behavioral questions focused on teamwork and adaptability; assessed communication and cultural fit.
  3. Final HR Interview
    • Deeper behavioral and situational scenarios; evaluated handling pressure and fit for a dynamic environment.
  4. Technical Interview (Project Discussion & SQL)
    • In-depth discussion of past projects, challenges, solutions, and potential improvements.
    • SQL focus: joins and query optimization.
  5. Technical Interview (Maths, Puzzles, SQL & Programming)
    • Analytical math and puzzles, complex SQL joins/subqueries, and basic programming for logical reasoning.
  6. Technical Interview (In-depth Technical & Case Study)
    • Business analysis case study requiring data analysis, insights, and recommendations; followed by technical probing on the approach.

Technical/SQL/Programming

  • Write SQL queries using INNER/LEFT/RIGHT/FULL joins to answer a business question; explain your choice of joins.
  • Given a slow SQL query, how would you optimize it? Walk through indexing, execution plans, and query rewrites.
  • Write an SQL query that uses subqueries to filter or aggregate results; explain trade-offs versus JOINs/CTEs.
  • Solve a basic programming problem (e.g., array/string manipulation) and explain your time and space complexity.
  • Explain your approach to debugging and testing SQL or code before delivering an answer.
  • Answer IT-fundamentals questions relevant to a BA role (e.g., data, systems, and practical applications); explain concepts clearly and concisely.

Analytical/Puzzles/Math

  • Solve logic puzzles; articulate each step of your reasoning and any assumptions you make.
  • Work through quantitative/aptitude problems; show your method and verify your answer.

Business Analysis & Case Study

  • Given a business case with a dataset, define the problem, identify key metrics/KPIs, analyze the data, and provide insights.
  • Propose actionable recommendations and explain the rationale behind them.
  • What additional data would you request to strengthen your analysis, and why?
  • How would you measure success post-implementation and monitor ongoing performance?

Projects & Experience

  • Walk me through your most impactful project end-to-end. What was your role and the outcome?
  • What were the key challenges, and how did you address them?
  • If you revisited the project, what improvements or alternative approaches would you implement?
  • How did your work create business impact? Quantify results where possible.

HR/Personality/Behavioral

  • Tell me about a time you collaborated effectively within a team to achieve a goal.
  • Describe a situation where you had to adapt quickly to a significant change or setback.
  • Give an example of how you handled pressure or tight deadlines.
  • Why do you think you are a good fit for this team and role?
  • Tell me about a time you received critical feedback. What did you do afterward?

Situational/Leadership/Decision-Making

  • When faced with conflicting stakeholder requirements, how would you prioritize and drive alignment?
  • How do you approach solving an ambiguous problem with incomplete data?
  • If your analysis contradicts leadership’s expectations, how would you present your findings?
  • In a dynamic environment with shifting priorities, how do you plan, communicate, and deliver?

Interview Preparation Tips

  • Practice puzzles and logical reasoning regularly; always explain your thought process.
  • Brush up on IT fundamentals relevant to BA work and practice MCQs to strengthen theory.
  • Focus on SQL essentials: joins, subqueries, and query optimization; read and interpret query plans.
  • Refresh programming basics and write pseudocode before coding to ensure clarity.
  • Review your projects end-to-end; be ready to discuss challenges, impact, and realistic improvements.
  • For case studies, structure your approach: define the problem, list assumptions, choose KPIs, analyze, and recommend.
  • Communicate clearly, stay calm under pressure, ask clarifying questions, and justify assumptions.

At Last add this line in the end of the output as it is

If you have attended the process from your campus, pls share your experiences here; Please follow [guidelines](https://discuss.boardinfinity.com/t/interview-transcript-guidelines/22428?u=abhay-gupta-ebaf4123)

Company Name: Goldman Sachs

Position: Business Analyst

Location: [Location not specified]

Application Process: [Application process details not provided]

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Written Test:
    • Questions Asked:
      • 3 coding questions (20, 30, and 100 marks).
      • 2 HR questions (10 marks each).
      • Remaining questions were MCQs (5 marks each), covering theory and aptitude topics.
    • Your Approach: [Candidate’s approach not provided]
    • Outcome: [Result of this round not provided]

Preparation Tips:
[Preparation tips not provided]

Conclusion:
[Overall experience summary not provided]

Company Name: Goldman Sachs

Position: Business Analyst

Location: All India (Remote)

Application Process: Applied through the company’s recruitment portal. The process began with an all-India aptitude-based exam conducted in mid-August.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Aptitude Test:

    • Questions Asked: The test was purely aptitude-based, covering topics like quantitative ability, logical reasoning, and verbal skills.
    • Your Approach: Focused on time management and practiced previous aptitude questions to improve speed and accuracy.
    • Outcome: Cleared this round successfully.
  • Round 2 - Aptitude + Technical Test:

    • Questions Asked: This round included both aptitude questions and technical questions. The technical part covered computer fundamentals and basic coding problems.
    • Your Approach: Revised core computer science concepts and practiced coding problems from platforms like LeetCode and GeeksforGeeks.
    • Outcome: Cleared this round as well.

Preparation Tips:

  • For aptitude, practice is key. Focus on speed and accuracy.
  • For technical rounds, brush up on computer fundamentals and practice coding problems regularly.
  • Time management during the test is crucial.

Conclusion:
The overall experience was smooth, and the rounds were well-structured. I would advise future candidates to focus equally on aptitude and technical skills, as both are critical for clearing the initial rounds. Practicing mock tests and coding problems beforehand can make a huge difference.

Company Name: Goldman Sachs

Position: Business Analyst

Application Process: Applied through the company’s career portal.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - HackerRank Coding Round:

    • Questions Asked: Coding problems from the HackerRank platform.
    • Your Approach: Solved the problems using efficient algorithms and data structures.
    • Outcome: Passed this round.
  • Round 2 - Coderpad Coding Round:

    • Questions Asked: Questions were shared on Coderpad, focusing on writing function definitions. Most questions were from the GeeksForGeeks portal.
    • Your Approach: Referred to GeeksForGeeks for similar problems and practiced writing clean and optimized code.
    • Outcome: Awaiting results.

Preparation Tips:

  • Practice coding problems from GeeksForGeeks and HackerRank.
  • Focus on writing efficient and clean code.
  • Understand the problem requirements thoroughly before jumping into coding.

Conclusion:
The interview process was smooth, and the questions were aligned with what I had practiced. I could have spent more time on debugging techniques to handle edge cases better. For future candidates, I’d recommend practicing a variety of problems to be well-prepared for any surprises.

Company Name: Goldman Sachs

Position: Business Analyst

Application Process: Applied through the company’s career portal. The process was lengthy, and there were significant delays in hearing back after each round.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Initial Screening:

    • Questions Asked: General questions about my background, interest in the role, and why I wanted to join Goldman Sachs.
    • Your Approach: I focused on aligning my skills and experiences with the job description and emphasized my enthusiasm for the role.
    • Outcome: Advanced to the next round after a few weeks of waiting.
  • Round 2 - Technical Interview:

    • Questions Asked: Case study questions related to business analysis, data interpretation, and problem-solving scenarios.
    • Your Approach: I structured my answers using a clear framework (e.g., problem definition, analysis, solution) and ensured I communicated my thought process effectively.
    • Outcome: Passed this round but had to wait for feedback for an extended period.
  • Round 3 - Behavioral Interview:

    • Questions Asked: Questions about teamwork, handling conflicts, and past experiences in collaborative projects.
    • Your Approach: I used the STAR method to provide concise and relevant examples from my past experiences.
    • Outcome: Cleared this round, but the overall process took longer than expected.
  • Round 4 - Final HR Interview:

    • Questions Asked: Discussions about salary expectations, relocation, and long-term career goals.
    • Your Approach: I was honest about my expectations and showed flexibility where necessary.
    • Outcome: Received an offer after a prolonged waiting period.

Preparation Tips:

  • Practice case studies and business analysis frameworks.
  • Brush up on behavioral questions using the STAR method.
  • Be patient, as the process can be slow.

Conclusion:
The interview process was rigorous and time-consuming, but it was a great learning experience. I would advise future candidates to stay patient and prepare thoroughly for both technical and behavioral rounds.

Company Name: Goldman Sachs

Position: Business Analyst

Application Process: The application was through campus placements. The process involved submitting a resume and cover letter, followed by an initial screening.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical Interview (Project Discussion & SQL):

    • Questions Asked:
      • Detailed discussion about my past projects, including challenges faced and solutions implemented.
      • SQL queries related to data manipulation and optimization.
      • Suggestions for improvements in my projects.
    • Your Approach:
      • I explained my projects clearly, focusing on my contributions and learnings. For SQL, I walked through my thought process while writing queries.
    • Outcome: Cleared this round successfully.
  • Round 2 - Technical Interview (Maths, Puzzles, SQL & Programming):

    • Questions Asked:
      • Mathematical problems and puzzles to test analytical thinking.
      • SQL questions involving complex joins and subqueries.
      • Basic programming problems in Python.
    • Your Approach:
      • For maths and puzzles, I took a structured approach, breaking down the problems. For SQL and programming, I focused on efficiency and edge cases.
    • Outcome: Cleared this round as well.
  • Round 3 - Technical Interview (Deep Dive & Problem-Solving):

    • Questions Asked:
      • In-depth technical questions related to my projects.
      • Scenario-based problem-solving questions.
      • A case study to analyze and provide solutions.
    • Your Approach:
      • I linked my project experiences to the questions and used a logical approach for problem-solving. For the case study, I structured my answer clearly.
    • Outcome: Successfully cleared the final round.

Preparation Tips:

  • Revise SQL thoroughly, especially joins, subqueries, and optimization techniques.
  • Practice mathematical puzzles and logical reasoning problems.
  • Be prepared to discuss your projects in detail, including potential improvements.
  • Brush up on basic programming concepts, especially in Python.

Conclusion:
The interview process was challenging but well-structured. I felt confident discussing my projects and technical skills. One thing I could have done better is practicing more case studies beforehand. My advice to future candidates is to focus on clarity and structure in your answers, and don’t hesitate to ask for clarification if needed.

Company Name: Goldman Sachs

Position: Business Analyst

Application Process: Applied through the company’s career portal after seeing the job posting.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical Interview:

    • Questions Asked:
      • Can you walk us through one of your recent projects and explain the challenges you faced?
      • How would you optimize a given dataset for better performance?
      • A coding question related to data manipulation (e.g., merging datasets efficiently).
    • Your Approach:
      • For the project question, I focused on the problem-solving aspect and how I overcame the challenges.
      • For the optimization question, I discussed indexing and query optimization techniques.
      • For the coding question, I used Python and explained my thought process step-by-step.
    • Outcome: Passed to the next round.
  • Round 2 - Technical Interview:

    • Questions Asked:
      • Explain a time when you had to analyze a large dataset. What tools did you use?
      • How would you handle missing data in a dataset?
      • Another coding question, this time focused on algorithms (e.g., sorting or searching).
    • Your Approach:
      • For the dataset question, I talked about using SQL and Python for analysis.
      • For missing data, I discussed imputation techniques and when to use each.
      • For the coding question, I chose an efficient algorithm and explained its complexity.
    • Outcome: Passed to the final round.
  • Round 3 - Technical Interview:

    • Questions Asked:
      • How do you prioritize tasks when working on multiple projects?
      • A case study question related to business analysis (e.g., how would you improve a process?).
      • A final coding question, this time more open-ended (e.g., designing a solution for a given problem).
    • Your Approach:
      • For prioritization, I discussed using frameworks like Eisenhower Matrix.
      • For the case study, I structured my answer using a problem-solving framework (define, analyze, solve).
      • For the coding question, I designed a modular solution and explained scalability.
    • Outcome: Received positive feedback and moved forward in the process.

Preparation Tips:

  • Brush up on SQL and Python for data manipulation tasks.
  • Practice explaining your projects clearly, focusing on challenges and solutions.
  • Review common business analysis frameworks for case study questions.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was challenging but fair. The interviewers were focused on problem-solving and practical skills. I could have prepared more for the case study round, but the technical rounds went well. My advice is to practice coding under time constraints and be ready to explain your thought process clearly.

Company Name: Goldman Sachs

Position: Business Analyst

Location: [Location not specified]

Application Process: Applied through campus placement, which included an online test.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical Interview:

    • Questions Asked:
      • Questions about machine learning concepts.
      • Discussion about my internship experience.
      • Puzzles and algorithmic problems.
    • Your Approach:
      • I focused on explaining my thought process clearly for the puzzles and algorithmic questions. For machine learning, I highlighted my practical experience from my internship.
    • Outcome: Passed this round and moved to the next.
  • Round 2 - Technical Interview:

    • Questions Asked:
      • More in-depth machine learning questions.
      • Scenario-based problems related to business analysis.
      • Additional puzzles and algorithmic challenges.
    • Your Approach:
      • I tied my answers to real-world applications, especially drawing from my internship. For the puzzles, I took my time to think through the problem before answering.
    • Outcome: Successfully cleared this round and received the offer.

Preparation Tips:

  • Brush up on machine learning fundamentals and be ready to apply them to practical scenarios.
  • Practice puzzles and algorithmic problems regularly to improve problem-solving speed and accuracy.
  • Be prepared to discuss your internship or any relevant projects in detail.

Conclusion:
The interview process was challenging but well-structured. I felt my preparation in machine learning and problem-solving paid off. For future candidates, I’d recommend focusing on both theoretical knowledge and practical applications, as the questions were a mix of both.

Company Name: Goldman Sachs

Position: Business Analyst

Application Process: Applied through campus placement.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical & Puzzles:

    • Questions Asked: A mix of puzzles and IT-related questions. The focus was on reasoning and problem-solving skills.
    • Your Approach: Tried to break down each puzzle logically and explained my thought process clearly. For IT questions, relied on fundamentals and practical applications.
    • Outcome: Passed this round as the interviewer appreciated the clarity in reasoning.
  • Round 2 - HR Interview:

    • Questions Asked: Behavioral questions to assess teamwork and adaptability.
    • Your Approach: Shared examples from past experiences where I collaborated effectively in teams and adapted to challenges.
    • Outcome: Moved to the next round as the interviewer felt I would be a good fit for the team.
  • Round 3 - Final HR Interview:

    • Questions Asked: More in-depth behavioral questions and situational scenarios.
    • Your Approach: Focused on demonstrating my ability to handle pressure and work in a dynamic environment.
    • Outcome: Successfully cleared the round and received the offer.

Preparation Tips:

  • Practice puzzles and logical reasoning questions regularly.
  • Brush up on IT fundamentals, especially those relevant to the role.
  • Prepare for behavioral questions by reflecting on past team experiences.

Conclusion:
The interview process was rigorous but fair. The key was to stay calm and articulate my thought process clearly. For future candidates, I’d recommend focusing on both technical and soft skills, as Goldman Sachs values a well-rounded candidate.

Company Name: Goldman Sachs
Position: Business Analyst (Intern)

Application Process: I applied for the internship position through their online application portal.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Written Test:

    • Questions Asked: The test covered Quantitative Aptitude, Logical Reasoning, and Verbal Ability.
    • Your Approach: I brushed up on basic quant formulas and practiced logical puzzles beforehand. For verbal, I focused on comprehension and grammar.
    • Outcome: Cleared this round successfully.
  • Round 2 - HR Interview:

    • Questions Asked: General questions about my background, why I wanted to intern at Goldman Sachs, and my understanding of the role.
    • Your Approach: I kept my answers concise and aligned them with the company’s values and the role’s requirements.
    • Outcome: Passed this round.
  • Round 3 - Technical Round:

    • Questions Asked: Some technical questions related to business analysis, problem-solving scenarios, and basic financial concepts.
    • Your Approach: I reviewed business analysis frameworks and brushed up on financial terms. For problem-solving, I structured my answers logically.
    • Outcome: Found this round a bit challenging but managed to clear it.
  • Round 4 - Suitability Round:

    • Questions Asked: Behavioral questions to assess fit, such as teamwork experiences, handling pressure, and adaptability.
    • Your Approach: I used the STAR method to frame my responses and gave examples from past experiences.
    • Outcome: Cleared this round.
  • Round 5 - Operations Round:

    • Questions Asked: Questions about how I would handle operational tasks, prioritize work, and manage deadlines.
    • Your Approach: I emphasized my organizational skills and ability to multitask, providing examples from previous projects.
    • Outcome: Successfully cleared this final round.

Preparation Tips:

  • For the written test, practice quant and logical reasoning questions from standard aptitude books.
  • For the technical round, understand basic business analysis concepts and financial terms.
  • Use the STAR method for behavioral questions to structure your answers effectively.

Conclusion:
Overall, the process was rigorous but well-structured. The technical round was the most challenging for me, so I’d advise future candidates to focus on that. Being clear and concise in all rounds helped me a lot. Good luck!

Company Name: Goldman Sachs

Position: Business Analyst

Location: [Location not specified]

Application Process: Applied through campus placement.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Written Test:

    • Questions Asked: The test included quantitative aptitude, logical reasoning, and a few case-based questions.
    • Your Approach: Focused on accuracy and time management, especially for the quantitative section. For the case-based questions, I tried to structure my answers logically.
    • Outcome: Cleared the written test and moved to the next round.
  • Round 2 - Technical Interview:

    • Questions Asked: Questions about data analysis, SQL queries, and a few scenario-based problems related to business analysis.
    • Your Approach: Explained my thought process clearly and used examples from past projects to demonstrate my skills. For SQL, I wrote efficient queries and explained the logic behind them.
    • Outcome: Successfully cleared this round.
  • Round 3 - HR Interview:

    • Questions Asked: Behavioral questions like “Tell me about yourself,” “Why Goldman Sachs?” and “Describe a challenging situation you faced.”
    • Your Approach: Kept my answers concise and aligned them with the role and company values. Highlighted my adaptability and problem-solving skills.
    • Outcome: Received positive feedback and an offer letter.

Preparation Tips:

  • Practice quantitative aptitude and logical reasoning regularly.
  • Brush up on SQL and data analysis concepts.
  • Prepare for behavioral questions by reflecting on past experiences.

Conclusion:
The overall experience was smooth and well-structured. I felt prepared for the technical rounds, but I could have practiced more case-based questions for the written test. My advice to future candidates is to focus on both technical and soft skills, as Goldman Sachs values a balanced approach.

Company Name: Goldman Sachs
Position: Business Analyst

Application Process: Applied through the company’s career portal after seeing the job posting.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical Interview:

    • Questions Asked: The interviewer asked about my understanding of business analysis, problem-solving skills, and a few system design questions. They also gave a mind puzzle to solve.
    • Your Approach: I tried to break down the problem logically and explained my thought process clearly. For the system design questions, I focused on the end-to-end flow and potential bottlenecks.
    • Outcome: Passed this round. The interviewer appreciated my enthusiasm and problem-solving approach.
  • Round 2 - Case Study Interview:

    • Questions Asked: Presented with a business scenario and asked to analyze it, identify key issues, and propose solutions.
    • Your Approach: I structured my response by first understanding the scenario, identifying the stakeholders, and then brainstorming possible solutions. I also discussed the pros and cons of each solution.
    • Outcome: Advanced to the next round. The feedback was positive, but they suggested I could delve deeper into the financial implications of the solutions.
  • Round 3 - HR Interview:

    • Questions Asked: Typical HR questions like “Why Goldman Sachs?”, “Tell me about yourself,” and situational questions about teamwork and conflict resolution.
    • Your Approach: I kept my answers concise and aligned them with the company’s values and the role’s requirements. I also shared examples from my past experiences.
    • Outcome: Successfully cleared this round. The interviewer seemed satisfied with my responses.

Preparation Tips:

  • Brush up on system design and business analysis concepts.
  • Practice solving mind puzzles and case studies under time constraints.
  • Be prepared to discuss your past experiences in detail, especially those relevant to the role.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was rigorous but rewarding. The interviewers were skilled and looked for candidates with enthusiasm and deep knowledge. The only downside was the length of the process, which was quite tiring. My advice to future candidates is to stay calm, think logically, and be thorough in your preparations.

Company Name: Goldman Sachs

Position: Business Analyst

Location: [Not specified]

Application Process: I was contacted by a recruiter who found my resume on Naukri.com. They reached out to me directly for the role of Business Analyst.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - HR Screening:

  • Questions Asked:

    • Tell me about yourself.
    • Why are you interested in this role at Goldman Sachs?
    • What do you know about the company?
    • Describe a challenging situation you faced and how you handled it.
  • Your Approach: I kept my answers concise and focused on my relevant skills and experiences. I also researched the company beforehand to align my responses with their values and work culture.

  • Outcome: I cleared this round and was invited for the next stage.

  • Round 2 - Technical Interview:

  • Questions Asked:

    • Explain a project where you used data analysis to solve a problem.
    • How would you approach a scenario where you need to analyze a large dataset with missing values?
    • What tools or software are you proficient in for data analysis?
  • Your Approach: I discussed a recent project where I used Python and SQL to analyze customer data. For the missing values question, I outlined steps like identifying patterns in missing data and choosing appropriate imputation methods.

  • Outcome: The interviewer seemed satisfied, and I moved to the final round.

  • Round 3 - Case Study Interview:

  • Questions Asked:

    • A client wants to optimize their supply chain. How would you approach this problem?
    • Walk me through your thought process for analyzing the profitability of a new product launch.
  • Your Approach: I structured my answers using a framework (e.g., problem definition, data collection, analysis, recommendations). I also asked clarifying questions to ensure I understood the scenario fully.

  • Outcome: I received positive feedback and was selected for the role.

Preparation Tips:

  • Brush up on technical skills like SQL, Python, and Excel.
  • Practice case studies and frameworks for business problem-solving.
  • Research the company’s recent projects and news to tailor your answers.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was rigorous but well-structured. I felt prepared because I focused on both technical and behavioral aspects. My advice to future candidates is to practice articulating your thoughts clearly and to stay calm under pressure.

Company Name: Goldman Sachs

Position: Business Analyst

Location: [Location not specified]

Application Process: I was contacted by a recruiter who found my resume on a job portal (naukri.com).

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Recruiter Screening:
  • Questions Asked: The recruiter asked about my background, experience, and why I was interested in the Business Analyst role at Goldman Sachs.
  • Your Approach: I highlighted my relevant skills and experiences, aligning them with the job description. I also expressed my enthusiasm for the role and the company.
  • Outcome: I was shortlisted for the next round.

Preparation Tips:

  • Research the company thoroughly, especially its business model and recent developments.
  • Brush up on analytical and problem-solving skills, as they are crucial for a Business Analyst role.
  • Practice articulating your experiences and how they relate to the job.

Conclusion:
The initial interaction with the recruiter was smooth, and I felt confident about my responses. However, I realized the importance of being more concise in my answers. For future candidates, I’d advise preparing a clear narrative about your career journey and how it aligns with the role.

Company Name: Goldman Sachs

Position: Business Analyst (Intern)

Application Process: Applied for an internship through the company’s recruitment portal.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Written Test:

    • Questions Asked: Quant, logical reasoning, and verbal ability questions.
    • Your Approach: Focused on solving quant and logical reasoning questions first, as they were my strengths. For verbal, I relied on my reading comprehension skills.
    • Outcome: Cleared the screening round.
  • Round 2 - HR Interview:

    • Questions Asked: General HR questions about my background, interests, and why I wanted to intern at Goldman Sachs.
    • Your Approach: Kept my answers concise and aligned them with the company’s values and culture.
    • Outcome: Passed this round smoothly.
  • Round 3 - Technical Round:

    • Questions Asked: Questions related to business analysis, problem-solving scenarios, and basic technical concepts.
    • Your Approach: Tried to structure my answers logically and used examples to explain my thought process.
    • Outcome: Found this round a bit challenging but managed to clear it.
  • Round 4 - Suitability Round:

    • Questions Asked: Behavioral and situational questions to assess fit for the role and company.
    • Your Approach: Used the STAR method to frame my responses and highlighted relevant experiences.
    • Outcome: Successfully cleared this round.
  • Round 5 - Operations Round:

    • Questions Asked: Questions about operational processes, teamwork, and handling real-world scenarios.
    • Your Approach: Focused on demonstrating my ability to work in a team and handle operational challenges.
    • Outcome: Cleared the final round and secured the internship.

Preparation Tips:

  • For the written test, practice quant, logical reasoning, and verbal ability questions from standard aptitude books.
  • For the technical round, brush up on business analysis concepts and problem-solving techniques.
  • For behavioral rounds, prepare using the STAR method and align your answers with the company’s values.

Conclusion:
Overall, the process was rigorous but well-structured. I could have prepared better for the technical round by diving deeper into business analysis frameworks. My advice to future candidates is to focus on all rounds equally and practice articulating your thoughts clearly.

Company Name: Goldman Sachs

Position: Business Analyst

Application Process: Applied through the company’s career portal after seeing the job posting. The initial screening was based on my resume and academic background.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical Interview:

    • Questions Asked:
      • Can you walk us through one of your recent projects and explain the challenges you faced?
      • How would you optimize a given SQL query for better performance?
      • A coding problem involving arrays and hash maps.
    • Your Approach:
      • For the project question, I focused on the problem-solving aspect and how I collaborated with the team.
      • For SQL, I discussed indexing and query restructuring.
      • For coding, I used a brute-force approach first and then optimized it.
    • Outcome: Cleared the round with positive feedback on my problem-solving skills.
  • Round 2 - Technical Interview:

    • Questions Asked:
      • Explain a time when you had to analyze a large dataset. What tools did you use?
      • A case study question related to business analysis.
      • Another coding problem, this time involving dynamic programming.
    • Your Approach:
      • For the dataset question, I talked about using Python and SQL for analysis.
      • For the case study, I structured my answer using a framework (problem, analysis, solution).
      • For coding, I broke down the problem into smaller subproblems.
    • Outcome: Advanced to the next round.
  • Round 3 - Technical Interview:

    • Questions Asked:
      • How do you prioritize tasks when working on multiple projects?
      • A system design question related to scaling a business application.
      • A behavioral question about handling conflicts in a team.
    • Your Approach:
      • For prioritization, I discussed using Agile methodologies.
      • For system design, I walked through scalability and load balancing.
      • For the behavioral question, I shared a real-life example.
    • Outcome: Received an offer!

Preparation Tips:

  • Focus on your resume and be ready to explain every project in detail.
  • Practice SQL optimization and coding problems (arrays, hash maps, dynamic programming).
  • Brush up on system design basics, especially scalability.
  • Behavioral questions are equally important, so prepare STAR method answers.

Conclusion:
The interview process was challenging but fair. I felt well-prepared for the technical rounds, but I could have practiced more case studies. My advice is to balance technical and behavioral preparation and stay calm during the interviews.

Company Name: Goldman Sachs

Position: Business Analyst

Application Process: The application was submitted through the company’s career portal. After an initial screening, I was invited for face-to-face interview rounds.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical Interview (Project Discussion & SQL):

    • Questions Asked:
      • Detailed discussion about my past projects, focusing on the challenges faced and the solutions implemented.
      • SQL questions related to query optimization and joins.
      • Suggestions for improvements in my projects.
    • Your Approach: I walked the interviewer through my projects, highlighting my problem-solving approach and the impact of my work. For SQL, I explained my thought process while writing queries and how I would optimize them.
    • Outcome: Cleared this round successfully.
  • Round 2 - Technical Interview (Maths, Puzzles, SQL & Programming):

    • Questions Asked:
      • Maths and puzzles to test analytical thinking.
      • SQL questions involving complex joins and subqueries.
      • Basic programming problems to assess logical reasoning.
    • Your Approach: I tackled the puzzles by breaking them down into smaller parts. For SQL and programming, I wrote pseudocode first to ensure clarity before diving into the actual solution.
    • Outcome: Cleared this round as well.
  • Round 3 - Technical Interview (In-depth Technical & Case Study):

    • Questions Asked:
      • A case study related to business analysis, where I had to analyze data and provide insights.
      • Follow-up technical questions based on my approach to the case study.
    • Your Approach: I structured my analysis by defining the problem, identifying key metrics, and proposing actionable recommendations. For technical follow-ups, I justified my choices with reasoning.
    • Outcome: Successfully cleared this round and received the offer.

Preparation Tips:

  • Focus on SQL and programming fundamentals, especially joins and query optimization.
  • Practice puzzles and maths problems to improve analytical thinking.
  • Review your projects thoroughly and be prepared to discuss them in detail, including potential improvements.
  • Case studies can be tricky, so practice structuring your thoughts logically.

Conclusion:
The interview process was rigorous but well-structured. I felt prepared because I had practiced SQL and puzzles extensively. One thing I could have done better is to spend more time on case study practice beforehand. My advice to future candidates is to focus on clarity of thought and communication during technical discussions. Good luck!